Lázně Bělohrad 14.05.23.


On Sunday the 14th of May 2023, the re-dedication and unveiling of the memorial plaque to W/Cmdr Bohumil Liška, pilot of the 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF, took place in the town of Lázně Bělohrad.

V neděli 14. května 2023 proběhl v Lázních Bělohrad, u příležitosti znovuodhalení pamětní desky, vzpomínkový ceremoniál na plukovníka Bohumila Lišku, pilota 311. československé bombardovací letky RAF.

The commemorative plaque, first unveiled in 2000, was originally placed on the wall of the house where Bohumil’s wife Růženka came from and where he spent the last years of his complicated life. Due to the reconstruction of the house, the plaque was removed and stored safely. After the reconstruction of the property was completed, the City Council of Lázně Bělohrad, headed by the Mayor, decided that a new dignified place would be created for the plaque, on a separate monument in front of the house on whose facade it was originally located.

Pamětní deska, poprvé odhalená v roce 2000, byla původně umístěna na zdi domu, ze kterého pocházela manželka Bohumila Lišky Růženka a ve kterém strávil závěr svého složitého života. Z důvodu rekonstrukce domu byla pamětní deska sejmuta a bezpečně uložena. Po dokončení rekonstrukce nemovitosti rozhodlo zastupitelstvo města Lázně Bělohrad v čele se starostkou, že bude pro desku vytvořené nové důstojné místo, na samostatně stojícím památníku před domem, na jehož fasádě se původně nacházela.

The memorial is carved from unique Bělohrad sandstone with pink-red-purple marble veining on a yellow background, donated by Mr. František Žoček’s, from a local quarry named Javorka. Most buildings in the city, as well as important buildings in the region, are built from this stone. In this way, the monument is symbolically connected to the ground and the entire city. The memorial plaque itself was also renovated with the assistance of the owner of the quarry.

Památník je vytesán z unikátního bělohradského pískovce s růžovo – červeno – fialovo mramorovým žilkováním na žlutém podkladu, z místního kamenolomu Javorka pana Františka Žočka. Z tohoto kamene je postavena jak většina staveb ve městě, tak i významné stavby v regionu. Tímto je památník symbolicky propojen se zemí i s celým městem. Při té příležitosti byla péčí majitele kamenolomu renovována i samotná pamětní deska.

The 22nd Helicopter base of the Czech Air Force sent a Guard of Honor, flag bearers with the flag of the Czech Republic and the RAF Biscay flag, to the commemorative event. Also worth mentioning is the presence of a copy of the historical Sokol flag, which President Beneš ceremoniously handed over to Czechoslovak airmen on the occasion of their return to their homeland. This copy is in the possession of the 22nd Helicopter base, it was brought to the event and presented during the ceremony by the representatives of the Bělohrad’s Sokol organisation. The guard of honor at the memorial was further completed by re-enactors Lenka Grimová in WAAF uniform in the rank of corporal and Petr Radoch in RAF uniform in the rank of Fl/Lt. The Scouts from Bělohrad were also proudly in attendance, they took their role in the ceremony very seriously and respectfully.

22. základna vrtulníkového letectva vyslala na vzpomínkovou akci čestnou jednotku, vlajkonoše s vlajkou České republiky a biskajským praporem RAF. Za zmínku stojí i přítomnost kopie historického sokolského praporu, který prezident Beneš slavnostně předal československým letcům při příležitosti jejich návratu do vlasti. Tato kopie je v držení 22. základny VL, byla zapůjčena pro potřeby konání akce a během ceremoniálu prezentována bělohradskými zástupci České obce sokolské. Čestnou stráž u památníku dále doplnili re-enactors Lenka Grimová v uniformě WAAF v hodnosti desátník (Cpl) a Petr Radoch v uniformě RAF v hodnosti kapitán (Fl/Lt). Chybět nemohli ani stateční bělohradští skauti, kteří svou roli pojali velmi zodpovědně.

To evoke the atmosphere of that period, the commemorative event began with the reading of the text of the Oath of Members of the Czechoslovak Army valid from 1918 to 1939. Subsequently, the Czechoslovak and British anthems were played by a “special purpose musical group” composed of Rostislav Tvrdík, Vladimír Šádek and Jarek “Houslička” Rafaja. After that, Madam Mayor Alena Kuželová took the floor and in her speech guided the guests through the individual stages of the difficult life of W/Cmdr Bohumil Liška. She was followed at the microphone by a representative of the 22nd Helicopter Base of the Army of the Czech Republic from Náměšť nad Oslavou, which continues the tradition of the 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF, proudly claims its legacy and bears the honorary title “Biscay”. Chief Warrant Officer Pavel Eigl, the base’s commanding warrant officer, first greeted the assembled on behalf of the base’s commander, Brigadier General Rudolf Straka, and then in his speech described in detail the military career of Colonel Bohumil Liška. He also mentioned the overlap of the ideals for which Czech exile soldiers and the government fought for then and to the present day and their fulfillment by the modern Czech army in protecting the Czech nation and territory, as well as the nations and territories of our allies. At the end, the owner of the quarry, František Žoček, also got the floor and in a short speech informed those present about the details of the creation of the monument.

Pro navození dobové atmosféry byla vzpomínková akce zahájena přečtením textu Přísahy příslušníků československé armády platným v letech 1918 až 1939. Následně zazněly československá a britská hymna v podání “účelového hudebního uskupení” ve složení Rostislav Tvrdík, Vladimír Šádek a Jarek “Houslička” Rafaja. Poté se ujala slova paní starostka Alena Kuželová a ve svém projevu hosty provedla jednotlivými etapami nelehkého života plukovníka Bohumila Lišky. U mikrofonu byla vystřídána zástupcem 22. základny vrtulníkového letectva armády České republiky z Náměště nad Oslavou, která je pokračovatelem tradice 311. československé bombardovací perutě RAF, hrdě se hlásí k jejímu odkazu a je nositelem čestného titulu “Biskajská”. Nadpraporčík Pavel Eigl, vrchní praporčík základny, nejprve pozdravil shromážděné jménem velitele základny brigádního generála Rudolfa Straky a dále ve své projevu podrobně rozebral vojenskou kariéru plukovníka Bohumila Lišky. Zmínil i přesah ideálů, za které bojovali čeští exiloví vojáci i vláda do současnosti a jejich naplňování moderní českou armádou při ochraně českého národa a území, stejně jako národů a území našich spojenců. Na závěr dostal slovo i majitel kamenolomu František Žoček a v krátké řeči seznámil přítomné s detaily vzniku památníku.

During the speeches, there was also an attractive point of the program and a planned surprise for all gathered. From the west came the sound of aircraft engines and a pair of historic airplanes Miles M-14A Magister Mk.I (one of only five airworthy examples in the world) and De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth Mk.II flew over the ceremony site in formation, both types of aircraft were used during the basic pilot training of Czechoslovaks in the RAF. Then they flew over the heads of the participants at low altitude again and again. After a thrilling display of airmanship lasting several minutes, the pilots waved their wings and went back to their home airport Podhořany (LKPN), from where the planes were selflessly dispatched thanks to the kindness of Mr. Richard Santus by the R.A.F. Station Czechoslovakia.

Během projevů došlo i na atraktivní bod programu a plánované překvapení pro všechny shromážděné. Od západu se ozval zvuk leteckých motorů a nad místem ceremoniálu v ukázkové formaci přeletěla dvojice historických letounů Miles M-14A Magister Mk.I (jeden z pouhých pěti letuschopných exemplářů na světě) a De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth Mk.II, tedy oba typy letounů používaných i při základním pilotním výcviků Čechoslováků v RAF. Potom nad hlavami účastníků prolétaly v nízké výšce znovu a znovu. Po strhující několikaminutové podívané se piloti s diváky rozloučili zamáváním křídly a vydali se zpět na své domovské letiště Podhořany (LKPN) odkud byly letouny nezištně vypraveny díky laskavosti pana Richarda Santuse spolkem R.A.F. Station Czechoslovakia.

The highlight of the ceremony was the actual unveiling of the memorial plaque in a new, dignified place. Mayor Alena Kuželová took it upon herself and invited relatives of Bohumil Liška, Věra Matoušková and Vlasta and Václav Drahoňovský to join her. At the memorial, the mayor laid a bouquet for the city of Lázně Bělohrad, Chief Warrant Officer Pavel Eigl for the 22nd Helicopter base and Chief Warrant Officer ret. Tomáš Kašpar, who was also the coordinator of the event, for the Association FCAFA ltd.

Vrcholem ceremoniálu bylo samotné odhalení pamětní desky na novém, důstojném místě. Toho se ujala paní starostka Alena Kuželová a přizvala k němu i příbuzné Bohumila Lišky, paní Věru Matouškovou a Vlastu a Václava Drahoňovských. K památníku položila paní starostka kytici za město Lázně Bělohrad, nadpraporčík Pavel Eigl za 22. základnu vrtulníkového letectva a nadpraporčík vv. Tomáš Kašpar, který byl i koordinátorem akce, za asociaci FCAFA ltd.

© Tomáš Kašpar 2023.

Posted in 311 Sqd, Ceremony, Not Forgotton | Leave a comment

La Targette 10.05.2023.

The annual ceremony to commemorate the fallen Czechoslovak’s of two world wars was held at the Czechoslovak Military Cemetery, La Targette, Neuville-Saint-Vaast, Pas de Calais, France.

Attending the ceremony were Mr Jean-Pierre Puchois, Mayor of Neuville St Vaast, :- Mr Jean Richerts, Sous-prefet de la région Nord Pas de Calais, representing the Czech Republic from the Czech Embassy, Paris, was Mr  Tomáš Chrobák, 1st secretary, and Col Radka Lainová, Defence Attaché and from the Slovak Republic Embassy, Paris was Mrs Lenka Turaz, 1st secretary and Col Ján Žarnovický Attaché. Mr Michel Andre represented the Association des volontaires tchécoslovaques en France and Mr Benoit Colin representing the Free Czechoslovak Air Force Associates ltd. For the ceremony, a military band from the Czech Republic had travelled by coach, Also attending were numerous local well-wishers.

The ceremony started at 10:00, and opening speech by Mr Jean-Pierre Puchois, followed by Mr  Tomáš Chrobák, Mrs Lenka Turaz and Mr Jean Richerts. Wreaths were then laid followed by a minutes silence and then the playing of The Last Post, and concluded with the playing of the National Anthems of the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and France.

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Background to La Targette :

La Targette Czechoslovak Memorial

When Poland fell some of the Czechoslovak airmen travelled South along the ‘Balkan’ route to France where, due to war having now been declared, where enlisted into l’Armée de l’Air  – the French Air Force where they joined their compatriots who had previously had joined the French Foreign Legion. Whilst the emphasis of this site is very much about the Czechoslovaks who left their homeland and arrived in Britain where they joined the Royal Air Force, it must be remembered that some where unable to complete that journey as they had had already paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving with l’Armée de l’Air.

It is estimated that about 40% of the airmen serving in the Czechoslovak Air Force at the time Hitler occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, managed to cross the border to Poland. Here, some used this as a staging post before following the ‘Balkan’ route to Yugoslavia where they boarded ships which took them to France and usually enlistment into the French Foreign Legion.

In 1970, Czechoslovak airmen and soldiers who had died in France during the Battle for France in WW2, were re-interred at the Czechoslovak Military Cemetery, La Targette, , Neuville-Saint-Vaast, Pas de Calais, France.

The Bohemian Cross, May 1939

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The Czechoslovak airmen at La Targette :

BARTOŇ František, lieutenant.

* 14/08/14, Mošnov, Novy Jicin.

† 06/10/39, Chartres.

25 years old.

Killed on training flight in Curtis Hawk H75, which lost speed and crashed near Chartres.

Grave ref: grave 143

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BENDL Josef, sergent.

* 27/03/14, Miškovice, Prague.

† 07/06/40, Amiens.

26 years old.

Was killed when his MS-406C, no. 898, fighter aircraft was shot down near Moliens whilst attacking German tanks between Formerie and Forges les Eaux.

Interred at grave 144

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BÍEBERLE František, lieutenant.

* 23/02/12, Zjoř.

† 25/05/40, Arras.

28 years old.

Pilot with GC I/6. Shot down during combat flight. Achieved 1+0=1 victories.

Interred at grave 145

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ČERNÝ Jan, sergent.

* 25/01/15, Heřmanice, Moravsky Krumlov.

† 11/05/40, Châeauroux.

25 years old.

Pilot with CIB Châeauroux, severely wounded in air raid attack on Ste Anne airfield, died in local hospital from his injuries.

Interred at grave 146

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DEKASTELLO Josef, lieutenant.

24/06/10, Prague.

† 03/06/40, Thieux.

29 years old.

Pilot with GC I/8. Shot down by allied anti aircraft fire. Achieved 1+0=1 victories.

Interred at grave 148

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DÝMA František, lieutenant.

* 28/12/16, Olomouc.

† 21/05/40, Senlis.

23 years old.

Pilot with GC III/7, and between 17/06/40 to 18/0640 with GC I/6. Shot down, suffered head injuries and died in hospital.

Interred at grave 147

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EICHELMAN Zdeněk, sergent.

* 10/04/19, Rynholec, Slany.

† 29/04/40, Toulouse.

21 years old.

ilot with CIB Toulouse, killed in a training accident.

Interred at grave 149

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FLANEK. Leopold, sergent.

* 13/12/02, Bieżanów, Poland.

† 15/05/40, Ardennes.

27 years old.

Pilot with GC III/2, killed when his MS 406 crash landed in the Ardenes.

Interred at grave 150

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GLEICH Jaroslav, lieutenant.

* 04/03/13, Kunčice, Ostrava.

† 13/06/40, Avord-Beaugi.

27 years old.

Pilot with GC II/3, Killed when aircraft crashed. Achieved 2+0=2 victories.

Interred at grave 01061

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HAMŠÍK Timoteus, capitaine.

* 31/12/07, Zádveřice, Zlin.

† 14/05/40, Sedan.

32 years old.

Pilot with GC I/5. Killed after parachuting from his aircraft.

Interred at grave 151

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HRANIČKÁ Josef, sergent.

11/03/03, Vlašim, Benešov.

† 05/06/40, Compiègne.

37 years old.

Pilot with GC I/6. Separated from the rest of his Squadron during combat, was flying alone between Creil and Mondidiere, shot down in MS 406 C.1, no 1035 at 11:40 by a Me 109 and crashed at Compi%C3%A8gne. Achieved 1+0=1 victories.

Interred at grave 173

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KOREC Otakar, lieutenant

* 26/11/08, Nejdek.

† 05/06/40, Agrouves, Somme.

31 years old.

Pilot with GC I/3. Shot down in his D520 during aerial combat.

Interred at grave 174

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KOŠNAR Josef, caporal-chef.

* 03/09/16, Pečky.

† 05/06/40, Amiens.

23 years old.

Pilot with GC III/7, and between 17/06/40 to 18/0640 with GC I/6. Shot down during combat flight.

Interred at grave 175

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KRÁKORA Jan, caporal-chef.

* 12/04/14, Lysolaje, Prague.

† 23/04/40, Senlis.

25 years old.

Pilot with GC I/1. Killed during a training flight D520.

Interred at grave 178

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KRÁL Jiří, lieutenan.t

* 15/03/10, Polanka nad Odrou, Jičín.

† 08/06/40, Montdidier.

30 years old.

Pilot with GC I/1. Killed in combat. HIs Bloch MB 152, no 299, was shot %C2%A0down about 40 km NW of Paris, managed to escape from the burning aircraft but his parachute failed to open.

Interred at grave 176

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KRÁLÍK Antonín, caporal-chef.

* 16/06/16, Vranice, Kutná Hora.

† 27/05/40, Amiens.

23 years old.

Pilot with GC I/8, Killed on operational flight. Achieved 1+0=1 victories.

Interred at grave 177

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KŘÍŽEK Jaroslav, sergent.

* 10/06/14, Dolní Sytová.

† 15/11/39, Toulouse.

25 years old.

Pilot with CIB Toulouse, killed when his MB.200 bomber aircraft crashed near Toulouse.

Interred at grave 179

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KUČERA Vladimír, lieutenant.

* 07/05/11, Malá Černá, Ckum u Třeboně.

† 14/05/40, d’Etampes.

29 years old.

Pilot with CIB Toulouse, killed when his MB.200 bomber aircraft crashed near Toulouse.

Interred at grave 179

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MIKOLÁŠEK Antonín, lieutenant.

* 06/09/06, Prague.

† 25/05/40, Remigny.

33 years old.

Pilot with GC II/3. Shot down during operational flight. Achieved %C2%A02+0=2 victories.

Interred at grave 182

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MORÁVEK Emil, sergent-chef.

* 08/06/14, Slepotice.

† 15/06/40, Heuilley-le-Grand.

26 years old.

Pilot with GC I/5, from 01/06/40 with GC I/8. Shot down and crashed behind German lines, suspected of being shot later.

Interred at grave 167

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NOVÁK Jaroslav, sergent-chef.

* 08/07/15, Prague.

† 15/12/39, Villefort.

24 years old.

Pilot at EP Istres-Miramas, killed in a crash during bomber pilot training.

Interred at grave 185

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NOVÁK Josef, sergent.

* 06/03/12, Zboněk Boskovice.

† 02/06/40, Portet, Toulouse.

28 years old.

Pilot with GC III/3. Killed in training accident.

Interred at grave 184

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POPELKA Stanislav, sergent

* 12/12/17, Františky, Vysoké Mýto.

† 03/06/40, Ozoir-la-Ferrière.

23 years old.

Pilot with GC I/6. Killed in aerial combat. Achieved %C2%A00+1=1 victories.

Interred at grave 186

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RAJTR Miroslav, sergent

† 11/01/40, Chartres.

* 26/08/03, Žerčice, Mlada Boleslav.

36 years old.

Pilot at CIC Chartres, killed in a training accident.

Interred at grave 168

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STOKLASA Jaroslav, sergent.

* 24/03/17, Lhota, Opava.

† 04/03/40, Pau.

22 years old.

Pilot at CIB Pau. Killed in training accident.

Interred at grave 169

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VAŠEK Vladimír, caporal-chef

* 08/08/14, Sedlec, Kutna Hora.

† 02/01/40, Meuse, Malancourt.

25 years old.

Pilot with GC I/5. Killed in aerial collision during combat flight.

Interred at grave 171

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Our thanks to FCAFA volunteer Benoit Colin for his assistance to achieve this remembrance.

Posted in Cemetries, Ceremony, Not Forgotton | 3 Comments

Nieuwe Niedorp – T2990


On 4 May 2023, more than 200 visitors attended the official unveiling of the 18th Remembrance Post of the Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon foundation. It was a special unveiling because in addition to the Remembrance Post, a Memorial in memory to the crew of Czechoslovak 311 Sqn Wellington T2990 bomber that crashed in June 1941 at the Kanaalweg in Nieuwe Niedorpwas also unveiled.

Dutch military veterans, led by Dick Doornik were, as always, also well represented.

The unveiling of the monument was done by Her Excellency Mrs Katerina Sequensová, Ambassador for the Czech Republic in the Netherlands, and His Excellency Mr. Juraj Machac, Ambassador for Slovakia in the Netherlands.

In the various speeches, the crew members of the Vickers Wellington T2990 were remembered as heroes who made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom. Pilot Vilém Bufka was the only survivor of the crash. The other five crew members were officially posted as missing until recently. After the excavation of the aircraft in 2021, it was confirmed in January 2022 that the other five crew members had been found. In June 2022, the remains of these five heroes were buried at the CWGC Bergen op Zoom, cemetery.

Mayor Rian van Dam, who also unveiled the memorial pole, emphasized the importance of continuing to commemorate. She said that we realise how valuable our free world is. In several speeches, such as those of the Czech and Slovak Ambassadors, emphasis was made to the situation in Ukraine, one of Slovakia’s neighbours.

Numerous wreaths and flower bouquets were laid at both the Memorial the Remembrance Post.

In between the speeches and recollections, appropriate music was provided the ‘t Veld musicians. Later trumpet player Dirk Bak, who is present at all the unveilings of the Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon, passionately played The Last Post and the national anthems of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

After the official and ceremonial activities, those present were treated to a “fly-past”, by the WW2 Lancaster bomber from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The roar of its four Merlin engines, its low altitude as it flew over, and the extra circuit flown to give the audience a extra pleasure, all made for an impressive conclusion to this memorable day.

A beautiful Memorial about which its sculptor, Rutger Jan, explained details about the design and its creation which had been commissioned by the Municipality of Hollands Kroon.

The event was organised by Chris Dijkshoorn Treasurer of the Stichting Herdenkingspalen Hollands Kroon foundation who was Master of Ceremony, Ingrid Sijtzel and Nanneke Barends of the Municipality of Hollands Kroon. Thanks to their efforts, everyone looked back on a beautiful, impressive and very successful day. Many thanks also go to Matthijs Gemmink and Jan de Vries of the Municipality of Hollands Kroon and Sieb Rienstra and Joke Koomen of the 4 May Committee Niedorp.

Many Thanks to Mr Roel Rijks who represented the Free Czechoslovak Air Force Associates ltd at this event and laid a wreath on their behalf.

Posted in 311 Sqd, Ceremony, Events, Memorial | 1 Comment

Vresovice – 20.05.2023


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Pavel Svoboda – Remembrance plaque unveiled

Pamětní deska Pavlovi Svobodovi odhalena


At 1600hrs on Thursday, 20 April 2023 a memorial plaque to Sgt Pavel SVOBODA, front gunner of Wellington KX-B from 311 (Czechoslovak) bomber squadron RAF was unveiled on the wall of the local school at Pavel’s birthplace of Bohuslavice, now part of the town of Kyjov.

Ve čtvrtek 20. dubna tohoto roku byla v 16.00 hodin na budově základní školy v Kyjově – Bohuslavicích odhalena pamětní deska Sgt. Pavlovi SVOBODOVI, přednímu střelci Welingtonu KX-B 311. (československé) bombardovací perutě RAF.

The idea of the plaque came from the group of enthusiasts who are interested in the history of the Czechoslovak men and women who served within the RAF during WWII. The group calls itself Tmavomodri (Dark Blue) and was formed at the time of the premiere of the Czech film The Dark Blue World, back in 2001. This plaque was their third.

Myšlenka desky vznikla ve skupině nadšenců, kteří se zajímají o histori československých mužů a žen, kteří sloužili za 2. světové války v RAF. Skupina, která nese jméno Tmavomodří, vznikla v době premiéry českého filmu Tmavomodrý svět v r. 2001. Tato deska je jejich třetí.

The group designed, delivered and mounted the plaque. The unveiling itself was a joint effort of the group, the town of Kyjov and the Cultural-historical society of Bohuslavice (KHS).

Skupina desku navrhla, dodala a instalovala. Na odhalení se podílela jednak skupina samotná, dále město Kyjov a Kulturně-historická společnost Bohuslavice (KHS).

Amongst the guests were representatives of the town, the Czech Air Force, a representative of his Excellency the British Ambassador, local dignitaries, members of the KHS, numerous relatives from Pavel Svoboda’s large family and many others.

Mezi hosty byli zástupci města, Vzdušných sil armády české republiky, zástupce Jeho excelence britského velvyslance, místní hodnostáři, členové KHS, četní příbuzní početné rodiny Pavla Svobody a řada dalších.

The event itself started with the Fly-past, performed by the L-159 ALCA from 21afb Caslav. After two speeches the plaque was unveiled by Mr. Frantisek Lukl, the Mayor of Kyjov and Mr. Ales Svoboda on behalf of the Svoboda family. The grandson of Pavel, Christian Jones was unable to attend but sent a short message which was read out by Mrs Dagmar Siskova-Johnson, daughter of the captain of KX-B, Alois Siska.

Pietu zahájil průlet dvou letounů L-159 ALCA z 21. základny v Čáslavi. Po projevech desku společně odhalili pan Jaroslav Lukl, starosta města Kyjova a pan Aleš Svoboda za rodinu Svobodovu. Vnuk Pavla, Christian Jones se nemohl zúčastnit, ale poslal krátkou zdravici, kterou přečetla paní Dagmar Šišková-Johnson, dcera kapitána KX-B, Aloise Šišky.

Mr. Přemysl Máčel, son of Antonín Máčel, leader of CARBON resistance group, which Svoboda joined towards the end of the war, outlined the life of Pavel Svoboda for the assembled guests.

Pan Přemysl Máčel, syn Antonína Máčela, velitele odbojové skupiny CARBON, do které Pavel Svoboda zapojil ke konci války, příblížil Pavlův osud všem přítomným.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants could also view a small exhibition about Pavel Svoboda’s life inside the school building and the invited guests gathered for light refreshments, kindly provided by the town of Kyjov.

Po ukončení piety si přítomní mohli prohlédnout výstavku o životě Pavla Svobody a pro pozvané hosty připravilo město Kyjov malé pohoštění.

The next morning the members of Tmavomodří layed flowers at the memorial to the members of CARBON group at Na Kamenáku.

Druhý den ráno položili členové skupiny Tmavomodří květiny u památníku členům skupiny CARBON Na Kamenáku.

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Bohumil Liska – 14.05.2023. – Lazne Belohrad


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Antonin Dvorak – 29.04.23.



Antonín Dvořák

310 Sqn pilot

remembered in Zbůch

with a memorial plaque unveiled in his honour

on 29 April 2023.


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Plzen – 04.05.2023.

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Antonin Dvorak – 29.04.2023.

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Vilém Košař – one of the Český čtyřlístek





Vilém KOŠAŘ



One of the Few

…………….* 20.06.1908, Karviná, Těšín.

…………….† 08.11.1940, Mayfield, UK.






The Early Years:

Vilém Košař was born on 20 June 1908 at Karviná in the Český Těšín region of Eastern Czechoslovakia. His father Jozef, a locksmith by trade, came from came from Radwanice near Ostrava and mother, Agnieszka née Waloszek, a daughter of a farmer from Stonava, about 5 km from Karviná.

On completing his primary and secondary education at Karviná, Vilém then continued his education at the Polish School of Commerce in Orlová. a town near Karviná from where he graduated. However there was now an economic depression in Europe and he was unable to find any suitable employment in the Karviná region, he left for Poland. First he worked in an office at Sosnowiec, near Katowice.

In 1928, having reached the age of 18, he obtained Polish citizenship. In October the following year he enlisted in the Polish Armed Forces. and was posted to the 2nd Air Regiment in Kraków.

Polish Air Force:

In 1931 he completed a basic flying training course at the Polish Air Force Training Centre at Bydgoszcz. On 30 November that year was posted to the 65th Light Bomber Squadron of the 6th Air Regiment at Lviv . Between July and August 1932 he successfully completed an Advanced Flying Course at the Polish Air Force Academy at Grudziądz and then returned to the 65th Light Bomber Squadron. On 1 October he was posted to the 122nd Fighter Squadron of the 2nd Air Regiment who were deployed at Kraków, where he remained until the end of 1938.

Vilém’s flying skills were noted and whilst there he was selected to join the famous aerobatic team known as the „trójki Bajana” (‘Bajan’s Three’) led by Captain Jerzy Bajan. In January 1938 he was selected to be a flying instructor at the Initial Military Training Centre at Kraków.

German Invasion:

When Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, Vilém was posted to the Replacement Group of the 2nd Air Regiment in Kraków, and on the following day was transferred to the No. 1 Polish Air Force Training Centre at Dęblin, about 90km South East of Warsaw, to help with the training of new pilots.

Already there were a group of 93 Czechoslovak airmen who had remained in Poland after escaping from their German occupied homeland. As Vilém spoke fluent Czech, he became the liaison between them and their Polish Commander Captain Zbigniew Osuchowski and it is here that he met Josef František, Josef Balejka and Matěj Pavlovič in that Czechoslovak group who had also been assigned roles there as flying instructors.

After Luftwaffe Ju 88’s raided Dęblin and left it unusable as an airfield, Captain Osuchowski ordered the evacuation of aircraft and his group to the small emergency airfield at Góra Puławska (near Puław), about 17 km South of Dęblin where he formed the so-called ‘Czechoslovak Reconnaissance unit. The unit consisted of 60 personnel with 11, Potez 25’s, French built biplane reconnaissance aircraft or RWD-8 Polish trainer aircraft at their disposal. After carrying out a few reconnaissance flights they transferred to the airstrip at Krzywda near Radzine Plodlaske, about 46 km North East away.

The Český čtyřlístek:

Potez 25 biplane reconnaissance aircraft.

During the German invasion of Poland, the four flew Potez 25’s and PWS-26 biplane reconnaissance aircraft which were unarmed and so unable to defend themselves. Instead, when they were issued with hand grenades they and their observers, put them in our pockets and in a bucket at their feet. They flew low over the German lines throwing the hand grenades from the planes on the advancing German columns creating panic and destroying ammunition lorries. This method of bombing was in desperation as they had no other armaments but they managed to destroy seventy lorries this way.

PWS-26 biplane reconnaissance aircraft.

Their bravery and determination in these attacks quickly earned them the name ‘Český čtyřlístek’. The most notable of these attacks was on 19 September when they surprised a German unit which enabled Polish land forces to captured them. That same day, all four airmen were nominated for the Krzyz Walecznych, which were awarded on 21 September.

The ‘Český čtyřlístek’ Vilém Košař in top right hand corner.

However on 17 September 1939, Soviet Russia invaded Poland from the East claiming that they had come to the aid of its “blood brothers,” the Ukrainians and Byelorussians, who were trapped in territory that had been illegally annexed by Poland. With invaders advancing on both its East and West borders it was inevitable that the Polish resistance could not be sustained and Polish forces began evacuating South to Romania.

Evacuate to Romania:

On 22 September 1939, Osuchowski’s reconnaissance unit was ordered to to withdraw, with their aircraft, to Romania, in the observers seat of Vilem’s aircraft was General Strzemiński. They landed in Romania at the border town of Ispas. From here they flew to Cernauti, then Lasi and onto Pipera near Bucharest, where they were arrested by the Romanian police and taken to an internment camp for foreigners.

They had been there for four days when there was a violent storm on the night of the 26 September. The storm caused the camp guards to shelter in the guard room from the rain. The four of them took this opportunity and crawled under the wire fence that surrounded the camp.

They set off for Bucharest on foot, walking by night and hiding by day, so that no one saw them as they were still wearing Polish uniforms. The journey took four days during which time they were only able to find small scraps of food. At night they reached Bucharest and found a cemetery where they hid. They needed to exchange the 2,000 Polish zloty that they had been given by General Strzemiński to help them on their journey to France.

By now, Josef Balejka had now‚ acquired‘ a civilian overcoat and was sent to try and steal some civilian clothes for the other three so that they could also move about freely. There, they encountered a Czechoslovak singer working in a night club, and they stayed at her flat for a few days whilst Czechoslovak passports were obtained for them.

They then travelled to Constanta, the largest Romanian port where, on 2 October, they boarded the small cargo ship‚ ‘Dacia‘ which also carried a few passengers. The ship then sailed through the Bosporus to Istanbul, down through the Dardanelles to Athens, Alexandria, Haifa to Beruit were they disembarked. At the harbour were representatives of the Czechoslovak Embassy, who had been expecting them. They advised Balejka, František, Pavlovič and Košař that unless they agreed to join the French Foreign Legion they would be deported back to the German Protectorate of Czechoslovakia. All agreed to join the Legion and were transferred to the nearby barracks of the French Foreign Legion. Here they received uniforms are were assigned to training units. A week later they boarded the “Theophile Gautier”, a French cargo ship, which landed them at Marseille on 20 October 1940 where they continued their basic military training.

France:

On one late arrival back to their barracks, Balejka was running after the others when he ran into the desk Sergeant who checked all returnees to the barracks. The Sergeant started shouting at him and then noticed the Krzyz Walecznych ribbon on Balejka’s uniform. He asked Balejka what was his nationality and indicating to the ribbon asked how had been awarded such a high decoration. Balejka replied that he had fought in Poland as had his three friends. The Sergeant called for the three friends and then spoke in Polish to Košař who was a naturalised Pole of Czech origin. The Sergeant was of Polish nationality and told them that as they were experienced pilots he would take care of them. Four days later they were released from the Foreign Legion and given train tickets to Paris with instructions to report to the Polish Embassy. At the Embassy they were met by Lt. Col. Jerzy Bajan, their former Commander from Dęblin airbase and then were taken to billets at Le Bourge airbase

England:

Whilst Balejka, František and Pavlovič remained in France with Polish Air Force, Vilém left France in early 1940 and travelled to England. There, at RAF Eastchurch, Kent, he was accepted into the Polish Air Force, which was autonomous from the RAF, at the rank of Sergeant and his Service Number was 780828.

On 1 June he was posted to the 3 (Polish) Wing at 3 School of Technical Training in Blackpool to await posting to a operational unit. On 20 August he was posted to 302 (Polish) Dywizjon Myśliwski “Poznański”) Squadron, stationed at RAF Leaconfield, Yorkshire, but his type conversion to Hurricane aircraft needed further training and on 2 September was posted to 5 OTU (Operational Training Unit) at Aston Downe. The training completed, he returned to 302 Sqn on 26 September.

Battle of Britain:

Vilém’s first operational flight in the Battle of Britain was on 5 October, a scramble at 08:15 in Hurricane TV4717 to the East Coast at Filey Yorkshire, returning to base 5 minutes later.

On 11 October the squadron redeployed to RAF Northolt, Middlesex. Four days later, whilst flying Hurricane DP3935 WX-D on patrol near Brooklands, Surrey in poor visibility, he collied with a barrage ballon cable loosing 14 inches from his wing tip, and had to make a forced landing at RAF Heston. He was unhurt in the crash.

By 31 October, when the Battle of Britain is considered finished, he had completed a total of 12 operational flights.

Last Flight:

On 8 November 1940, nine Hurricanes from 615 Sqn, also based at Northolt took off at 13:20 and ten minutes later, twelve Hurricanes from 302 Sqn also took-off and rendezvoused with them over Northolt. Vilém was flying flying Hurricane P3538 WX-J. The two squadrons were tasked with patrolling over the Croydon area at 20,000 feet.

During the patrol, the leader of 302 Sqn saw a large formation of Me 109’s approaching from from about 5,000 ft above to the South. The Me109’s passed over the squadron but they were then seen by 615 Sqn to turn in a circle and head for 302 Sqn. Two of the Me109’s then dived, at high speed to attack the 302 Sqn Hurricanes. 615 Sqn gave warning of the attack and both squadrons took evasive action in the ensuing combat.

Only when 302 Sqn returned to Northolt did they realise that they had two aircraft missing – F/O Antoni Wczelik and Vilém Košař. Wczelik had made a forced landing at Detling, Kent, Hurricane BV6860 and was slightly injured.

However in that combat, Vilem’s Hurricane had been fatally damaged and was in flames. Vilém managed to bail out, but his parachute was on fire and he fell to his death and his body was found in the grounds of Xavierian College, a religious boarding school at Mayfield, near Wadhurst, Sussex. His Hurricane crashed, inverted and in flames, at Pennybridge Farm, adjacent to one of the ponds in the school grounds.

Sgt Vilém Košař was buried in Northwood Cemetery, in grave no. H 274. He was 32 years old.

Medals:

Poland:

Krzyż Walecznych [Cross of Valour]

Brązowy Krzyż Zasługi [Bronze Cross of Merit]

Medal Lotniczy za Wojne 1939-1945

British::

1939 – 45 Star with Battle of Britain clasp

Remembered:

Czech Republic:

Winged Lion Monument, Prague:

In November 2017, his name, along with the names of some 2500 other Czechoslovak men and women who had served in the RAF during WW2, was unveiled at the Winged Lion Monument at Klárov, Prague.

Otaslavice:

Valašské Klobouky:

The third memorial plaque for the ‘Český čtyřlístek’ – the Czech four leaf clover – was unveiled on 4 March 2023 at Valašské Klobouky, the hometown of Josef Balejka.

Great Britain:

National Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel le Ferne, Kent:

London Battle of Britain Memorial:

Polish Air Force Memorial, Northolt:

Kent Battle of Briain Museum, Hawkinge, Kent:

On 6 September 2022, a memorial plaque for the ‘Český čtyřlístek’ was unveiled at The Kent Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge, Kent.

Poland:

Polish Airmens Memorial, Warsaw:

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